How many miles on your alternator?

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Aug 21, 2005 | 08:56 PM

RPH74

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Joined: May 2002

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From: Missouri

How many miles on your alternator?

I've got to thinking about replacing my alternator (or at least the brush set) on my 93 SC300 with 141k on it since my alternator just crapped out on me with no warning on my 93 Accord. It had 223k on the original alternator, so it's no big surprise to me.

Can you guys tell me how many miles your car has with the original alternator? I'd hate to be far from home if the alternator took a dump.

Aug 21, 2005 | 09:35 PM

Kardinal

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: CA

mine had about 206k and I highly doubt it was changed before that

Aug 21, 2005 | 09:40 PM

howiedoit

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From: SoCal

mine crapped out on me 2 weeks ago at ~80k miles. the battery and abs lights went on the night before and the alternator completely gave out the following day. i was on my way to have the car checked out, when it died in rush hour traffic.

Aug 22, 2005 | 01:04 AM

RaynArt

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,298

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From: Illinois

maybe 105k before it crapped out. got a new alt. and that crapped out in 7months!?

thank god for parts warrenty and now its been 3 months so hopefully this one wont be retarded

Aug 25, 2005 | 02:13 PM

damont1492

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From: GA

I've got 145K on the original. I developed the dreaded power steering pump leak some time ago, and the dealership told me I needed to replace both the P/S pump and the alternator. I took the car to a local mechanic I trusted who replaced the P/S pump & cleaned the alternator, and I have driven it several more years without a problem. Having said all that, I plan to get the car in for some major service soon (timing belt, water pump, pulleys, tensioners, etc) & may go ahead & replace the alternator as well just for peace of mind. A word of advice that you can take or flush: I also own '92 LandCruiser & it started going thru alternators at a discouraging rate. We used a NAPA one first, then another brand that was supposed to be "better," but nothing lasted very long until I specified a Toyota alternator. That one has been humming along for a while now. Think how long your OEM one has lasted.... If I were you I'd stick with OEM.

Aug 25, 2005 | 02:19 PM

VJ RC51

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Central FL

my SC's reman alt took a dump i think a year after replacement, i have now put in a 1JZ alt with around 20k on it, and runs fine i think should last the life of the car

Mar 30, 2006 | 01:29 PM

no2faber

Lead Lap

Joined: Jun 2003

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From: New Jersey

reviving the thread for a bit.

My alternator did the same thing as howiedoit, except i managed to pull into the sears auto department just in time--made it in and had to push it into the bay). Same symptoms, the abs light went on, all the lights in my car started flashing when the signal light as on. They recharged the battery, did the diagnostic, adn said it's the alternator.

One question, the napa alt is 239.00 (part No.: BSHAL3259X, http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...=11&SubCatId=2) and its a 100 amp Nippondenso rebuild). I believe they have a one-year warranty at least. Is it worth buying one or getting a OEM?

My car is 68XXX miles on it and the OEM on died, plus it's about 300 for an OEM one, not inlcuding labor.